Computer Numerical Control

Programming Basics
Definitions
CAD COMPUTER-AIDED-DESIGN
Designing the part to be machined by CNC machine
CAM COMPUTER-AIDED-MANUFACTURING
Developing the toolpaths, feeds and speeds for the CNC Machines
CNC COMPUTER-NUMERICAL-CONTROLLED
Computer controlled machine controlled by a Machine Control Unit
(MCU)

Programming Process
CAD - DRAW PART IN AUTOCAD OR AUTODESK INVENTOR
Program Transfer

Load drawing file into MasterCAM

CAM PROGRAM CUTTERS, TOOLPATHS, SPEEDS, FEEDS, ETC. IN

MASTERCAM
Post Processor - A software link in the CAD/CAM chain that communicates
instructions from CAM to a CNC machine.
.
Program data transfer - PC to Machine Control Unit which runs the CNC machine
CNC MACHINE PART ON A CNC MACHINE USING INSTRUCTIONS FORM
CAD/CAM PROGRAMMING

CNC Machine Types

CNC Milling Center

CNC Turning Center

CNC Gantry Router

What is a CNC Machine?

CNC : Computer and Numeric Control:
Conventionally, an operator decides and adjusts various machines parameters like feed ,
depth of cut etc depending on type of job , and controls the slide movements by hand. In
a CNC Machine functions and slide movements are controlled by motors using computer
programs.
Programmed instructions are converted into output signals which in turn control
machine operations such as spindle speeds, tool selection, tool movement, and
cutting fluid flow.
A numerical control, or NC, system controls many machine functions and
movements which were traditionally performed by skilled machinists.
Numerical control developed out of the need to meet the requirements of high
production rates, uniformity and consistent part quality.

Advantages:
High Repeatability and Precision e.g. Aircraft parts
Volume of production is very high
Complex contours/surfaces need to be machined. E.g. Turbines
Flexibility in job change, automatic tool settings, less scrap
More safe, higher productivity, better quality
Less paper work, faster prototype production, reduction in lead times
Disadvantages:
Costly setup, skilled operators
Computers, programming knowledge required
Maintenance is difficult
How CNC works:
Controlled by G and M codes.
These are number values and co-ordinates.
Each number or code is assigned to a particular operation.
Typed in manually to CAD by machine operators.
G&M codes are automatically generated by the computer software.
The tool or material moves.
Tools can operate in 1-5 axes.
Larger machines have a machine control unit (MCU) which manages operations.
Movement is controlled by a motor (actuators).
Feedback is provided by sensors (transducers) Closed loop?
Tool magazines are used to change tools automatically.

Tool Paths, and Cutting Motions:

Tool paths describe the route the cutting tool takes.
Motion can be described as point to point, or contouring.
Speeds are the rate at which the tool operates e.g. rpm.
Feeds are the rate at which the cutting tool and work piece move in relation to
each other. Expressed in IPM (inches per minute)
Feeds and speeds are determined by cutting depth, material and quality of finish
needed. e.g. harder materials need slower feeds and speeds.
Rouging cuts remove larger amounts of material than finishing cuts.
Rapid traversing allows the tool or work piece to move rapidly when no
machining is taking place
Point to Point and Contour Tool Paths:

Point to Point Toolpath

Point to Point toolpaths cut following lines

Contour ToolPath
Contour toolpaths cut follow surfaces

Linear Interpolation :( Point to Point)

Linear interpolation consist of a programmed point linked together by straight lines

Circular Interpolation: (Contour) Circular interpolation is the process of programming

arcs and circles.
.

Circular interpolation requires endpoints, a feed rate, a

center, a radius, and a direction of movement.

CNC Programming Basics

Block of Information:
When running, a part program is interpreted one command line at a time until all lines are
completed.

N001 G01 X1.2345 Y.06789 MO3

N001
G01
X12345
Y6789
M03

Represents the sequence number of the operation

Represents linear operation (tool movement)
Will move the tool or table 1.2345 in. a positive direction along the X axis
Will move the tool or table 0.6789 in. along the Y axis
Turns spindle on clockwise

Commands, which are also referred to as blocks, are made up of words which each begin
with a letter address and end with a numerical value.
Each letter address relates to a specific machine function. G and M letter addresses
O - Program number (Used for program identification)
N - Sequence number (Used for line identification)
G - Preparatory function
X - X axis designation
Y - Y axis designation
Z - Z axis designation
R - Radius designation
F Feed rate designation
S - Spindle speed designation
H - Tool length offset designation
D - Tool radius offset designation
T - Tool Designation

M - Miscellaneous function

G- CODES (Preparatory Functions) which cause some movement of the machine table
or head.
G00 Rapid Movement
G01 Linear Interpolation (movement)
G02 Circular Interpolation, CW
G03 Circular Interpolation, CCW
G17 XY Plane,G18 XZ Plane,G19 YZ Plane
G20/G70 Inch units
G21/G71 Metric Units
G40 Cutter compensation cancel
G41 Cutter compensation left
G42 Cutter compensation right
G43 Tool length compensation (plus)
G43 Tool length compensation (plus)
G44 Tool length compensation (minus)
G49 Tool length compensation cancel
G80 Cancel canned cycles
G81 Drilling cycle
G82 Counter boring cycle
G83 Deep hole drilling cycle
G90 Absolute positioning

G91 Incremental positioning

M-CODES (Miscellaneous) which turn ON or OFF different functions

M00 Program stop
M01 Optional program stop
M02 Program end
M03 Spindle on clockwise
M04 Spindle on counterclockwise
M05 Spindle stop
M06 Tool change
M08 Coolant on
M09 Coolant off
M10 Clamps on
M11 Clamps off
M30 Program stop, reset to start
Important things to know:
Feed rate and spindle speed
Feed and Speed Codes: F and S- Specify feed and spindle speed
Coolant Control: On/Off, Flood, Mist
Tool Control: Tool and tool parameters
Tool codes: T specify tool number
Programming consists of a series of instructions in form of letter codes
Preparatory Codes:
G codes- Initial machining setup and establishing operating conditions

N codes- specify program line number to executed by the MCU

Axis Codes: X,Y,Z - Used to specify motion of the slide along X, Y, Z direction
Program Example

O1234
N5
G90 G20
N10 M06 T3
N15 M03 S1250
N20 G00 X1 Y1
N25 Z0.1
N30 G01 Z-0.125 F5
N35 X3 Y2 F10
N40 G00 Z1
N45 X0 Y0
N50 M05
N55 M30

(Program Number)
(ABSOLUTE COORDINATE. IN INCHES)
(TOOLCHANGE TO TOOL #3)
(SPINDLE ON CW AT 1250RPM)
(RAPID OVER TO X1 Y1)
(RAPID DOWN TO Z0.1)
(FEED DOWN TO Z-0.125 AT 5IPM)
(FEED DIAGONALLY TO X3 Y2 AT 10IPM)
(RAPID UP TO Z1)
(RAPID OVER TO X0 Y0)
(SPINDLE OFF)
(PROGRAM END